This book brings together 11 pairs of opposing speeches on foreign policy written by Florentine statesman and historian Francesco Guicciardini (1483–1540), freshly translated with new commentary. Collectively, they constitute a remarkable collection of debates on war, peace, alliance and more.

Introduction1. On Whether or Not the Florentines Should Wage War against the Church2. On Whether or Not the Florentines Should Accept the Peace Agreement That the Duke of Milan Is Offering3. On Whether or Not the Florentines Should Launch a War of Aggression against Lucca4. On Whether or Not the King of France Should Make Peace with the Duke of Milan5. On Whether or Not the Venetians Should Sign an Offensive Alliance with the King of France6. On Whether the Venetians Should Ally with the King of the Romans or Stick to the Alliance with the King of France7. On Whether the Venetians Should Ally with the Emperor or Stick to the Alliance with the King of France8. On Whether the Emperor Should Be Magnanimous towards the King of France, Whom He Holds Prisoner, or Impose Severe Terms on Him9. On Whether or Not the Venetians Should Make an Agreement with the Emperor or Risk War against Him10. On Whether the Pope Should Make an Agreement with the Emperor or Wage War against Him11. On Whether the Emperor Should Make an Agreement with the Italian States or the King of FranceIndex